The state of New York led by Governor Andrew Cuomo has moved to launch a “vaccine passport” offering an easy way for residents to share their Covid-19 vaccination or negative test status in accordance with state guidelines.

The aim of the app, named Excelsior Pass, is to provide an easy way for organizers of mass gatherings to verify the status of their attendees in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

• Excelsior Pass was developed by New York state in partnership with IBM, whose blockchain platform forms the basis of the app. It works by having a secure QR code which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to get proof of vaccination or Covid-19 negative test results to permit entry for customers.

• The Excelsior Pass isn’t that complex, being similar to a mobile airline boarding pass. Just as in the case of a boarding pass, New York state residents can either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass app. With the app, the state promises that “an individual’s data is kept secure and confidential at all times.”

• Some major venues in New York have already announced that they’ll begin utilizing the Excelsior Pass app to screen attendees. They include Madison Square Garden in New York City beginning next week and the Times Union Center in Albany. Beginning on the 2nd of April, the app will be expanded to smaller arts, entertainment, and event venues.

• New York State’s Department of Health’s Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS) has said it’ll ensure rapid reporting of Covid test results for residents with the Excelsior app. For verification of vaccination records, IBM’s “Digital Health Pass” platform is stepping in. 

• Currently, over 3 million residents of New York state have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

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